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Today, instead of going to Nakanyonyi School, we took part in a trip to see wells installed in villages by the Busoga Trust. At 10am we met a group from Bristol Cathedral School, as their teacher Peter had funded a well here. Chris Bodimeade, who used to go to Hampton, has been working for the trust for 2 years and gave us a talk before we left about the projects they do in the Busoga region. Imogen fell in love with the pet pig at the Busoga Trust Guest House. We split up to drive to the wells, with Imogen, Fiona and Mrs Wimblett on a bus with the Bristol Cathedral School pupils, and Steph, Jess and Mr T in a landrover, which was faster but much more bumpy! We stopped off at Mayuge, where we walked around a food market and were soon followed by a group of 10 or more adorable children. Some people bought chapati and samosas and then we carried on our journey.
During the day we saw wells in three stages of development in different villages. In the first, the well was still under construction. We met the villagers and saw the water source that they were currently using, which we were shocked to see was very murky and couldn't believe peope really drank it. We were then invited to try some food from the villagers, including jack-fruit which everyone said tasted like a mixture of pineapple and banana. Everyone was very excited at the sight of a pregnant goat, and a goat that had just given birth with a very cute kid!
The next stop was a village where the basic infrastructure of the well had been completed, but as the villagers had not kept their end of the bargain (to raise their hygiene standards), the actual pump could not be installed for another week. On the way to the next location we stopped on the side of the road, where neither the bore hole nor their natural spring were working, due to mismanagement of these. Because of this, they had to collect their water from what looked like a large dirty puddle.
Lastly we visited a completed well - the water from the pump was as clear as bottled mineral water! It was amazing to see how grateful the elder from the village was, and his heartfelt thanks were very moving to witness. We then started the long journey back to Jinja, and the bumpy dirt-roads left us missing the tarmac roads from England! Harriet, one of the workers from the Busoga Trust, said that the majority of the roads were dirt-roads and the only tarmac one was the highway to Mombassa. We also asked about the buildings which are often branded with painted company logos, and were surprised to learn that the shop owners were not paid to advertise these logos.
After a very tiring day we had delicious local fish and chips at our hotel. Off to bed now, to be continued...
Fiona, Imogen, Jess and Steph
The Busoga Trust homepage: http://www.busogatrust.co.uk/
- comments
Chantal Powell What an eye opener! We take water so much for granted and get cross when there is a hose pipe ban but you are experiencing at first hand what a precious commodity it is. You've been gone a week now and we are missing you lots but glad that you seem to be having such a great trip.
Tracey What an interesting trip, how amazing to see all this in person. Glad you're experiencing such a range of life in Uganda. We miss you lots but look forward to reading about what you've been up to on the blog. x
CR Please don't let Imogen try to bring the pig home. I assume Chris is (the other) Imogen's brother... small world. Hope you're relishing all these experiences as much as we are enjoying hearing about them. Love to all. xx
Hilary Ndongong It sounds like you are having a wonderful time girls. I'm sure this is proving a very interesting experience but the girls you are working with are clearly having a lovely time with you. The mural sounds like an excellent idea and it will be great for the nankayonyi girls to have a lasting memento. Glad you've found some yummy food places. Remember to try some fried plantain if you have the opportunity. It's scrumptious with roasted fish or chicken. (a bit like chips but slightly sweeter on the palate). Stuck in the mud sounds fun (not for Steph)... Have you tried hokey Cokey? Hope the week is fun. We're thinking about you. Hope mr t isn't cheating anymore with the card games. Love to you all, mrs n xxx
Vince What an adventure and it is only the first week.
Julie Mackay Hi all, What an adventure. You seem to have had the most wonderful time. I really look forward to hearing all about it. I guess you are on safari now so hope you are having a great time. love Mrs Mackay xx